The Mancos RE-6 Board of Education on Monday swore in their first student members, Olivia Jukes and Rosalinda Phillips.
“This is an incredible accomplishment and honor,” the board said.
This initiative to have student members of the school board was first proposed by former board President Pam Coppinger, who said it was important that student voices were represented on the board.
“We know they will represent the student body and provide a unique perspective and voice, which will be invaluable to our district and the board of education,” the board said.
Phillips, who is Hispanic and Diné, was born in Albuquerque and raised in Mancos and Cortez. She is a junior at Mancos High School.
“My favorite subject is PCC English, and after school I love to go to the gym and workout with my brother, Angel,” Phillips said.
She added that she loves being creative by doing art or welding. She also hopes to make a difference in whatever community she lives in.
“My passion has always been to make a difference in any community I am involved with. I wanted to take the opportunity that I was offered to really have a voice and represent my peers in a positive way,” Phillips said.
After high school, Phillips hopes to travel and experience different cultures so she can share her experiences with others at home. She also plans to study nutrition science, business and real estate investment/development in college.
“One of my biggest goals is to put a smile on people’s faces. I plan on doing that by opening up my own café one day and spreading positivity by giving back to my community through awesome food and coffee,” Phillips said.
Jukes is a junior at Mancos High School, sharing that she has been in the district about nine years.
“I’ve grown up in many different places all around the U.S., and my parents decided to move here after my dad retired from the Coast Guard in 2015,” Jukes said.
Jukes plans to study business at a Northeastern college.
“I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, teammates and at church. I also love to travel while experiencing new things, and I absolutely love to read,” Jukes said.
Jukes is a National Honor Society member, Ambassador level in Girl Scouts, an employee at the P&D Grocery Store, a member of the small Montezuma County YoungLife Group, Class of 2026 president and part of both junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams.
“I started my participation in the communities I have been a part of since I began my Girl Scout journey in kindergarten, and I can’t wait to begin my involvement in another amazing part of our town,” Jukes said.
